England Announces Squad for First Test Against India
England has announced its 14-member squad for the opening Test match against India, set to begin on June 20, 2025, at Headingley in Leeds. This squad marks a blend of experienced campaigners and new faces as England seeks to set the tone for the five-match series with a strong start.
The squad is led by all-rounder Ben Stokes and includes a returning Jamie Overton, who made his debut in 2022 and has now recovered from a recent finger injury. Overton’s inclusion adds firepower to England’s pace attack, though he remains under medical observation to confirm match fitness.
England Test Squad: Key Names and Inclusions
The 14-member squad includes Ben Stokes (captain), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Josh Tongue, and Chris Woakes. Notable returns include Brydon Carse and Chris Woakes, both of whom are returning after injuries that had kept them out in recent months.
Woakes, one of the senior-most pacers in the lineup, makes a significant comeback, while Carse brings added variety to the pace battery. Young talents like Jacob Bethell and Sam Cook offer fresh energy, while Jamie Smith retains his place as wicketkeeper in the absence of Phil Salt, who is on paternity leave.
Injuries and Strategic Adjustments
England’s pace unit has had to endure multiple setbacks with Gus Atkinson ruled out due to a hamstring injury, and other senior bowlers like Mark Wood, Olly Stone, and Ollie Robinson unavailable. However, the team management is hopeful that Jofra Archer might return for the second Test of the series depending on fitness clearance.
In the batting department, the top order remains anchored by Joe Root, Zak Crawley, and Ben Duckett, with Pope and Brook forming a reliable middle order. Jacob Bethell’s addition also gives the team a dynamic option at the top or middle of the order.
Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy Debut
This series marks the start of a new chapter in India-England Test cricket, with the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy being introduced in place of the traditional Pataudi Trophy. The new silverware honors two modern-day icons, Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson, symbolizing the rich cricketing rivalry between the two nations.
The first Test at Headingley will also mark the start of the new ICC World Test Championship cycle for both teams. England, with its evolving squad structure, and India, undergoing its own generational transition, are both keen to begin the campaign on a winning note.
The series is expected to be highly competitive, with both teams missing key veterans but backed by promising emerging talent. England’s squad, with a calculated balance of experience and youth, is aiming to take early momentum in home conditions.
